Lagos CP Intervenes as Residents Protest over Land-grabbing

Ayodeji Ake

Residents of the Eyin-Osa community in the Free Trade Zone Parcel B and its resettlement area named Resettlement of Eyin Osa, staged a protest recently against land grabbing, demanding restoration  of peace through immediate government intervention.

The protest, held in front of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, aimed to draw attention to the alleged forceful taking over of residents’ lands and the damaging of properties belonging to Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited, which were legitimately bought from the Eyin-Osa Resettlement Committee.

The protesters expressed unrest caused by land grabbers.

According to the Secretary to the Parapo of Abomiti, Yeguda & Eyin-Osa displaced Communities, Mrs Apena Adijat, the land grabbers allegedly employed the services of touts and  uniform men, terrorising the community.

Adijat called upon the Lagos State Government to intervene and protect the rightful owners of the resettled land, as they possess legitimate Certificates of Occupancy for their respective zones.

In response to the escalating conflict, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, on Tuesday   invited all parties involved in the land dispute to his office at the police command in Ikeja, Lagos for a hearing.

During the hearing, Topaz presented his case, asserting that he purchased 100 acres of land in Eyin Osa, upon attempt to take possession of the land, he claimed to have been attacked by hoodlums.

Hon. Saheed Abdullahi Mosadoluwa, representing Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited, defended his position as an investor who had legitimately acquired land in Eyin Osa from the Eyin Osa Resettlement Committee.

He presented the Eyin Osa Memorandum of Understanding and the Eyin Osa Certificate of Occupancy as evidence of his acquisition.

Alhaji Shittu, the President of Eyin Osa United Kingdom, claimed that the Lagos State Government had disclaimed any agreement through a publication in 2021.

After carefully considering all parties involved and reviewing the submitted documents, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, responded to the case.

He stated that Eyin-Osa United Kingdom is not recognized by the Lagos State Government, making any land transactions conducted with this entity invalid.

The Commissioner emphasized that the Eyin-Osa Resettlement Committee is the legitimate body representing the resettlement land, holding a valid Certificate of Occupancy issued by the government.

The Commissioner advised all parties involved to seek an amicable settlement and explore the possibility of resolving the dispute through compromise.